About

Our Story

Celebrating over 20 years at its current location, Capitol Market has grown from a modest farmers’ market to a vibrant indoor-outdoor retail, dining and social hub open year ‘round. But to fully appreciate what it has become today, you have to take a look at its storied past.

In the late 1800s, the Kanawha and Michigan Railroad built a railyard on Smith Street that bustled with commerce important to the region’s growth before eventually falling into disrepair in the late 1900s.

That’s when a new vision for the old depot was born. A vision that reimagined it as a new kind of hub for the modern era – a tourist attraction and retail complex that would draw thousands of visitors and host a variety of community events throughout the year.

That was 1997 and now – more than 100 years after the railyard’s original construction – Capitol Market has blossomed into a premier shopping destination featuring an eclectic mix of indoor and outdoor shops offering fresh meat, fish, produce, coffee, wine, beer, cheese, chocolates, a variety of West Virginia-made products and Soho’s, one of the city’s most popular restaurants.

Spend just a few minutes here and you’ll discover why Capitol Market has become such a vital anchor to our vibrant downtown. It’s like the city’s Main Street – a popular gathering place and meeting space where we greet friends and take out-of-town guests to show off Charleston’s best.

Traditions at the market are as varied as the community it serves. Saturday morning coffee, daily business lunches, after-work shopping, weekend excursions with the kids, cooking classes and other fun events are all a part of the Capitol Market experience. So are Christmas tree and pumpkin picking, spring garden planning and summer picnic shopping.

And since our community supports the market, we return the favor by helping raise thousands of dollars for dozens of charitable and civic organizations. Please visit loan lenders no brokers for more information on how you can help.

Partners with The Clay Center, YWCA, Festivall, Manna Meal and many more

A 501c3 not-for-profit organization governed by a volunteer board of directors

Social hub and premier destination in downtown Charleston for travelers and locals

Voted Charleston’s Favorite Attraction

a peek at what we offer...

Hours & Location

Hours

Mon – Sat: 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Sun: 12 p.m. – 5 p.m.

Address

800 Smith Street
Charleston, WV 25301

Contact Us

304.344.1905

our staff

Tammy Coffman – Executive Director

Nichole Greene – Communications and Development Coordinator

WVDA Staff

Tony Richard – Market Manager

Darren Tucker – Market Technician

volunteer board of directors

Alisa Bailey

Rod Blackstone

Nate Burton

Mark Carbone – President

Scott Castleman – Vice President

Becky Ceperley

Jack Cavender

Jason Chipps

Steve Condaras

Dave Cooper

Tim Cunningham

Kristen Harrison

Emily Isaac – Vice President

Steven Keith

Judy McJunkin

George Manahan

Gaylene Miller

Nora Myers

Nikki Orcutt

Suzanne Moses Persinger

Susie Salisbury – Secretary/Treasurer

Paul Smith

Kevin Waldo

WVDA Commissioner Leonhardt

merchant opportunities

Indoor Merchants

Capitol Market is continually seeking lifestyle retailers and food merchants that are complimentary to the Capitol Market way of life and the types of stores our patrons demand. Bring your business retail concept to the table. We are interested in hearing your ideas! Please contact Tammy Coffman at tammy@capitolmarket.net

Outdoor Farmers

Outdoor leasing is dedicated to WV agriculture. If you are a greenhouse operator, farmer of produce, plants, or Christmas trees, or a producer of eggs, contact Market Manager Tony Richard at 304.558.0185.

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